Supporters of transforming downtown's aging XL Center arena lined up at a hearing Tuesday to back the $250 million project, but the uncertainty of whether the money will be there to pay for it hung over the meeting.

"We need places for people to come together," said Micah Kerr, a Hartford landlord. "We are starting to build places for people to live, and I think it's important to bring people from outside the city into the city and not leave as quickly as they can. This will go a long way in doing so."

Two dozen people turned out for the Capital Region Development Authority's hearing on plans to dramatically update and enlarge the 41-year-old arena. The authority, which oversees the XL Center and any renovations, backed the $250 million plan last year. The hearing was needed to formally adopt the plan to move forward.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has said he supports renovations but he has not indicated whether he will bring the project to the legislature in the coming session for funding. The state would pay for almost all of the bill, which, if approved, would be spread out over several years.

CRDA's vision drew support Tuesday from downtown businesses, which consider events at the XL Center arena crucial to their survival.

"This could be a make or break deal for the downtown community," said Gerry Grate, owner of The Tobacco Shop on Pratt Street and past president of Business for Downtown Hartford. "The downtown coummunity needs the XL Center to be maintained to continue on."

The plans pursued by the authority envision a dramatic change that would essentially create a new arena: a second concourse to relieve congestion and irritating waits at concessions; more premium seating lower in the arena bowl; and more restaurants, amenities and restrooms.

The push to make the arena more attractive and competitive with newer sports and entertainment complexes comes as competitive pressure from the state's casinos builds and a new gambling and entertainment complex is being built in nearby Springfield.

Whether to pursue the XL Center arena renovation comes as the city is experiencing newfound development momentum, including apartment conversions, Front Street and the University of Connecticut downtown campus. A renovated arena also would sit just a couple of blocks away from the city's minor league stadium, expected to open in the spring.

CRDA could adopt the plan as soon as next week, but there are no guarantees that it will go forward. The authority will have to marshal political support in difficult budget times for the state. There is growing resistance to using bonds — essentially the state's credit card — for big ticket projects when funding is being cut to social services, road improvements and school construction.

Tuesday, there was already a sign that the plan will almost certainly face opposition in the legislature.

"The state simply can't afford these kinds of projects at this fiscal moment," Sen. Joe Markley, R-Southington, said, at the hearing. "Bonding and debt service has grown dramatically and terrifyingly ... And $250 million or whatever the final price tag is, we can't afford in these times."

Markley, a conservative who has criticized the growth in bonding during Malloy's tenure, said he questions how much ripple effect the arena has on downtown. He also doubts the makeover will turn around the arena's money-losing record, about $3 million a year that must be made up by the state.

The $250 million plan was one of three options offered by a consultant last year. The other options were build a new arena at double the price, or keep the venue as is, essentially on a path to closure.

The authority has said the renovations are necessary if the city hopes to bring major league hockey back to Hartford, absent since 1997 when the Hartford Whalers left. But the renovations do not guarantee the city will attract a major league team.

"If we don't take action and we leave the thing as it is, how can we attract new businesses, new people, millennials?" said Scott St. Laurent, secretary of the Hartford Whalers Booster Club, who was wearing a Whalers jersey. "How can we attract them to downtown if we don't give them anything to do?"

The booster club is an advocate for the return of the NHL to Hartford and promoting the heritage of the Whalers.

Richard J. Krausz, a resident of the city's Blue Hills neighborhood, had a more dire outlook.

The arena "is integral to the city of Hartford," Krausz said. "If you close it down, you close a lot down."

CaptionConnecticut Made: Luke's Toy Factory

Luke's Toy Factory, in Danbury, makes eco-friendly toys made in America. They have done this by taking out 30% of the plastic and replacing it with sawdust. Their goal is to balance eco-friendly with safety and sustainability, while making toys that are affordable and fun.

LAUREN SCHNEIDERMAN | lschneiderman@courant.com

Luke's Toy Factory, in Danbury, makes eco-friendly toys made in America. They have done this by taking out 30% of the plastic and replacing it with sawdust. Their goal is to balance eco-friendly with safety and sustainability, while making toys that are affordable and fun.

LAUREN SCHNEIDERMAN | lschneiderman@courant.com

CaptionConnecticut Made: Luke's Toy Factory

Luke's Toy Factory, in Danbury, makes eco-friendly toys made in America. They have done this by taking out 30% of the plastic and replacing it with sawdust. Their goal is to balance eco-friendly with safety and sustainability, while making toys that are affordable and fun.

LAUREN SCHNEIDERMAN | lschneiderman@courant.com

Luke's Toy Factory, in Danbury, makes eco-friendly toys made in America. They have done this by taking out 30% of the plastic and replacing it with sawdust. Their goal is to balance eco-friendly with safety and sustainability, while making toys that are affordable and fun.

LAUREN SCHNEIDERMAN | lschneiderman@courant.com

CaptionOwners Of Sally And Bob's In West Hartford Talk Retirement

Rhonda and Ronnie Zieky discuss their retirement from operating Sally and Bob's.

Rhonda and Ronnie Zieky discuss their retirement from operating Sally and Bob's.

CaptionTalking With Madison Art Cinemas Owner Arnold Gorlick

Arnold Gorlick is the owner of the Madison Art Cinemas, a two-screen theater in downtown Madison that plays first-run independent art and upscale foreign and domestic films. Gorlick has owned the theater since 1999. In addition to the indy movies it shows, the theater distinguishes itself from multiplexes by offering a variety of Italian coffees, locally baked biscotti as well as popcorn and candy.

Arnold Gorlick is the owner of the Madison Art Cinemas, a two-screen theater in downtown Madison that plays first-run independent art and upscale foreign and domestic films. Gorlick has owned the theater since 1999. In addition to the indy movies it shows, the theater distinguishes itself from multiplexes by offering a variety of Italian coffees, locally baked biscotti as well as popcorn and candy.

CaptionGrowing Hops In Connecticut

James A. LaMondia, chief scientist and plant pathologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Windsor, is growing hops for ongoing research into finding the best varieties to grow in Connecticut for brewing local beer.

James A. LaMondia, chief scientist and plant pathologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Windsor, is growing hops for ongoing research into finding the best varieties to grow in Connecticut for brewing local beer.

CaptionMaking Beer With Connecticut Hops At Back East Brewery

Back East Brewery in Bloomfield is making beer using Connecticut hops.

Back East Brewery in Bloomfield is making beer using Connecticut hops.